Device in polymer for supporting joints

Abstract

In one example, there is described a device made of a polymer material for receiving a joint of a body of a human or an animal, the device being configured to: - form a first loop defining a receiving space for receiving a first part of the body of the human or the animal, the first part of the body being located on a first side of the joint, - form a second loop defining a receiving space for receiving a second part of the body of the human or the animal, the second part of the body being located on a second side of the joint, - form an intermediate part linking the first loop and the second loop by using two sub-parts crossing each other, such that, when the joint is received in the device, the two sub-parts cross each other over the joint, the device further comprising second complementary fasteners configured to provide adjustment and closing of the second loop on the second part of the body of the human or the animal.

Description

[0001] DEVICE IN POLYMER

[0002] FOR SUPPORTING JOINTS

[0003] Field of Invention

[0004] The invention relates but is not limited to a device for forming at least one loop around at least one body part of a human or an animal. The invention also relates but is not limited to a method for manufacturing the device.

[0005] Background

[0006] Remedies for inflammatory problems (such as tendonitis or post-operation inflammation) and / or muscle problems (such as hematomas or tom muscles) may include restriction of a movement of at least one body part where the problems are located.

[0007] The current devices for restricting movement of at least body part are cumbersome and / or not convenient.

[0008] Summary

[0009] Aspects and embodiments of the invention are set out in the appended claims. These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are also described herein.

[0010] Brief description of Drawings

[0011] Aspects and embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0012] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a front view of a device supporting a knee;

[0013] Figure 2A schematically illustrates a side view of a device supporting a knee of a straight leg;

[0014] Figure 2B schematically illustrates a side view of a device supporting a knee of a bent leg;

[0015] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a device supporting an ankle;

[0016] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a device supporting an elbow;

[0017] Figure 5A schematically illustrates a front view of a device supporting a thumb;

[0018] Figure 5B schematically illustrates a back view of a device supporting a thumb;

[0019] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a device supporting a shoulder;

[0020] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a device supporting a wrist; and Figure 8 outlines a method for manufacturing a device.

[0021] In the drawings, similar elements bear identical or similar numerical references.

[0022] Specific Description of Example Embodiments

[0023] Overview

[0024] As described in more detail below, in all of the Figures, the device is configured to enable support and functional assistance of the joint during movement (e.g., by partial immobilisation).

[0025] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example device 1 according to the disclosure. The device 1 comprises an upper band 2 and a lower band 3 made of a polymer material.

[0026] The upper band 2 comprises a first zone 11 and a second zone 12, and the lower band 3 comprises a third zone 13 and a fourth zone 14. These zones act as fixed points with respect to the body part on which they are situated.

[0027] The upper band 2 is configured to form a first loop 21 defining a receiving space for receiving a first body part 31 of a human or an animal (such as an upper leg in Figure 1). The lower band 3 is configured to form a second loop 22 defining a receiving space for receiving a second body part 32 of a human or an animal (such as a lower leg in Figure 1).

[0028] The device 1 of Figure 1 comprises first complementary fasteners 41 located on the upper band band 2 and configured to provide adjustment and closing of the first loop 21 on the first body part 31 of the human or the animal. The device 1 of Figure 1 also comprises second complementary fasteners 42 located on the lower band 3 and configured to provide adjustment and closing of the second loop 22 on the second body part 32 of the human or the animal. The complementary fasteners enable adjustment of the loops, e.g., as a function of: severity of the joint injury, progress of the rehabilitation of the joint and / or intensity of the physical activity of the joint.

[0029] As illustrated in Figure 1 , an intermediate zone 50 is configured to link the first loop 21 and the second loop 22 and comprises a first crossing band 51 and a second crossing band 52. The device 1 enables restricting movement of the first body part 21 with respect to the second body part 22, and vice versa. The first crossing band 51 and second crossing band 52 play a complementary role to ligaments in the stability of the body parts with respect to each other. The positions of the loops 21 and 22 can be adjusted to control tension in the intermediate zone 50. The crossing bands 51 and 52 are configured so that tension can be maintained as the bands 2 and 3 are being adjusted. Tension is maintained on the joint (the knee in the example of Figure 1), including cross tensions which increase as joints move. In Figure 1 , the kneecap 60 of the knee is received in an upper space formed between the two upper legs of the crossed bands 51 and 52.

[0030] The device is made from a polymer material, a deformable material that adapts to the shape of the joint but has elastic and shape memory. The polymer material deforms to provide support by adapting to the bio-mechanical forces of joint movement. Polymer surface treatment maintains the elasticity and adherence to the skin of the device. The polymer material deforms to provide support by adapting to the bio-mechanical forces of joint movement. Support of the joint is enhanced by the use of the polymer material, as the polymer material is deformable and elastic and has form memory characteristics.

[0031] The polymer material is a shape memory material, a hypoallergenic material, is waterproof, reusable, and avoids maceration. The Shore hardness of the polymer material may be between 1 and 100, for example between 20 and 80.

[0032] In some examples, round and / or polygonal openwork shapes (or apertures) may be used. The apertures may be configured (depending on their number and / or their shape) to accentuate or diminish reinforcement of the joint, tension or deformation within the device, and / or aeration of the body parts, depending on the areas treated, in particular during movement of the joint. The apertures may be for example round shaped, square shaped, rectangle shaped, and / or lozenge shaped.

[0033] Hardness of the polymer that the device is made from can be controlled at a manufacturing stage. In some examples, depending on the stage and severity of the injury, or the rehabilitation or healing phase, different devices of different hardness can be applied to the joint.

[0034] In some examples, one or more rigid or semi-rigid rods (different cross-sections of rods are envisaged) can be inserted in the device to enhance support of the joint. The material of the band may have a thickness T of polymer material, the thickness T being such that 0.4mm<T<25mm. The device may have a length L, the length L being such that 5cm<L<150cm. The band may have a width W, the width W being such that 0.5cm<W<50cm.

[0035] The device may be configured to apply tension on the joint as a function of a distance between the first band and the second band. The third band and the fourth band may be configured to replicate ligament tension in the joint.

[0036] When the joint is a knee, the device may be configured to receive the kneecap between: one of the first band and the second band, and an intersection point where the third band and the fourth band cross each other.

[0037] Detailed Description of Example Embodiments

[0038] Figures 2A and 2B schematically illustrate a device 1 , with an upper band 2 affixed to an upper leg 31 , and a lower band 3 affixed to a lower leg 32, such that the intermediate zone 50 is positioned over the knee of the leg to provide support to the knee. Figures 2A and 2B show how the leg can be bent while the tension in the intermediate zone 50 is maintained. Figure 2A shows a straight leg with the first crossing band 51 and second crossing band 52 being tight against the leg of the wearer. In Figure 2B, it can be seen that the leg is bent, and the first crossing band 51 and second crossing band 52 are stretched to maintain tension around the knee. The tension can also be adjusted by altering the relative positions of the upper band 2 and lower band 3 with respect to the knee, and re-fastening using the first complementary fasteners 41 and / or the second complementary fasteners 42.

[0039] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a device 301 , with an upper band 302 affixed to a lower leg 331 , and a lower band 303 affixed to a foot 332, such that an intermediate zone 350 is positioned over the ankle to provide support to the ankle. Figure 3 shows an ankle with a first crossing band 351 and a second crossing band 352 being tight against the ankle of the wearer. The tension can also be adjusted by altering the relative positions of the upper band 302 and lower band 303 with respect to the ankle, and re-fastening using first complementary fasteners 341 and second complementary fasteners 342. The same mechanical principle applies as for the knee, as described above, with the polymer bands playing a complementary role to that of the ligaments. Figure 4 schematically illustrates a device 401 , with an upper band 402 affixed to an upper arm 431 , and a lower band 403 affixed to a lower arm 432, such that an intermediate zone 450 is positioned over the elbow to provide support to the elbow. Figure 4 shows an elbow with a first crossing band 451 and a second crossing band 452 being tight against the elbow of the wearer. The tension can also be adjusted by altering the relative positions of the upper band 402 and the lower band 403 with respect to the elbow, and re-fastening using first complementary fasteners 441 and second complementary fasteners 442. The same mechanical principle applies as for the knee, as described above, with the polymer bands playing a complementary role to that of the ligaments.

[0040] Figures 5A and 5B schematically illustrate a device 501 , with an upper band 502 affixed to an upper part 531 of a thumb, and a lower band 503 affixed to a wrist 522, such that the intermediate zone 550 is positioned over the joint of the thumb to provide support to the thumb. Here the intermediate zone comprises a slot, such that the upper band can pass through itself in order to form a loop and two sub-parts of the intermediate part. Tension is created within the device by the two sub-parts which cross each other and enable support of the joint. The tension can also be adjusted by altering the positions of the upper band 502 and lower band 503 with respect to the thumb, and re-fastening using the complementary fasteners 541 . The same mechanical principle applies as for the knee, as described above, with the lateral polymer paths playing a complementary role to that of the ligaments. It is also envisaged embodiments with more than one slot, in order to offer more adjustment options for the device.

[0041] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a device 601 , with an upper band 602 affixed to an upper shoulder 631 , and a lower band 603 affixed to an upper arm 632, such that an intermediate zone 650 is positioned over the joint of the shoulder to provide support to the shoulder. Figure 6 shows a shoulder with a first crossing band 651 and a second crossing band 652 being tight against the shoulder of the wearer. The tension can also be adjusted by altering the positions of an upper band 602 and a lower band 603 with respect to the shoulder, and re-fastening using first complementary fasteners 641 and second complementary fasteners 642. The same mechanical principle applies as for the knee, as described above, with the polymer bands playing a complementary role to that of the ligaments.

[0042] Figure 7 schematically illustrate a device 701 , with an upper band 702 affixed to a palm 731 , and a lower band 703 affixed to a forearm 722, such that the intermediate zone 750 is positioned over the wrist to provide support to the wrist. Here the intermediate zone comprises a slot, such that the upper band can pass through itself in order to form a loop and two sub-parts of the intermediate part. The tension can also be adjusted by altering the positions of the upper band 702 and lower band 703 with respect to the wrist, and refastening using the complementary fasteners 741. The same mechanical principle applies as for the knee, as described above, with the lateral polymer paths playing a complementary role to that of the ligaments.

[0043] As illustrated in Figure 1 , the first complementary fasteners 41 may be located on the upper band 2, and may provide the closing and adjustment of the first loop 21 to the first body part 31 of the human or the animal.

[0044] As illustrated in Figure 1 , the second complementary fasteners 42 may be located on the lower band 3, and may provide the closing and adjustment of the second loop 22 to the second body part 32 of the human or the animal.

[0045] The first complementary fasteners 41 may comprise a plurality of complementary systems located at a plurality of positions on the upper band 2, and may provide the closing and adjustment of the first loop 21 to the first body part 31 of the human or the animal.

[0046] The second complementary fasteners 42 may comprise a plurality of complementary systems located at a plurality of positions on the lower band 3, and may provide the closing and adjustment of the second loop 22 to the second body part 32 of the human or the animal.

[0047] The complementary fasteners may comprise a system of two strips, one covered with loops and the other with flexible hooks (sometimes called “hook-and-loop”), such as a two hook-and-loop strips known under the trade mark Velcro.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of complementary systems may comprise a buckle cooperating with one or more ridges on the upper band. The buckle may be located at an extremity of the upper band corresponding to the first zone. The upper band may be inserted in the buckle to form the first loop. The closing and adjustment of the first loop is provided by the ridges located at different positions. The ridges provide adjustment to the girth of the first body part.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of complementary systems and may comprise at least one headed pin forming a button, cooperating with one or more holes. The upper band may form the first loop, and the closing and adjustment of the first loop is provided by the holes located at different positions. The holes provide adjustment to the girth of the first body part.

[0050] It should be understood that other complementary systems and may be envisaged. In some non-limiting examples, alternatively or additionally, the first complementary systems may comprise one or more hooks cooperating with one or more slots or rings.

[0051] The second complementary fasteners may comprise a plurality of complementary systems and located at a plurality of positions on the lower band, and may provide the closing and adjustment of the second loop to the second body part of the human or the animal.

[0052] The plurality of complementary systems may comprise a headed pin forming a button, cooperating with one or more holes. The lower band may form the second loop, and the closing and adjustment of the second loop is provided by the holes located at different positions. The holes provide adjustment to the girth of the second body part.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of complementary systems may comprise a buckle cooperating with one or more ridges, and / or one or more hooks cooperating with one or more slots or rings, and / or a system of two strips, one covered with loops and the other with flexible hooks, such as two strips known under the trade mark Velcro.

[0054] It should be understood that other complementary systems may be envisaged.

[0055] In some examples the first complementary fasteners and / or the second complementary fasteners may comprise complementary systems having two parallel lines. The two lines may enable closing and adjustment of the first and / or second loops depending on the length L to width W ratio of the device.

[0056] The polymer material of any of the bands may comprise at least one of: silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer and / or elastomer.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, any of the bands may comprise apertures 5 configured to enable aeration of the body part, when the first body part 31 of the human or the animal is located in the first loop 21 and / or the second body part 32 of the human or the animal is located in the second loop 22.

[0058] As illustrated in Figure 8, the disclosure also relates to a method 100 for manufacturing a device, e.g. the device 1 according to any aspects of the disclosure.

[0059] The method 800 may comprise: forming, at 802, a first band configured to form a first loop defining a receiving space for receiving a first part of the body of the human or the animal, the first part of the body being located on a first side of the joint; forming, at 804, a second band configured to form second defining a receiving space for receiving a second part of the body of the human or the animal, the second part of the body being located on a second side of the joint; forming, at 806, an intermediate part linking the first loop and the second loop by using two sub-parts crossing each other, such that, when the joint is received in the device, the two sub-parts cross each other over the joint, forming, at 808, second complementary fasteners configured to provide adjustment and closing of the second loop on the second part of the body of the human or the animal.

[0060] The method 800 may comprise a step of manufacturing a device according to any aspects of the disclosure.

[0061] Any one of steps of the method 800 may be performed via moulding and / or cutting, but other techniques may be envisaged. Any of the steps of the method 800 may involve, as least partly, at least one of e.g. injection, moulding, overmoulding, thermoforming, moulding by compression and / or casting, as non-limiting examples.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A device made of a polymer material for receiving a joint of a body of a human or an animal, the device being configured to: form a first loop defining a receiving space for receiving a first part of the body of the human or the animal, the first part of the body being located on a first side of the joint, form a second loop defining a receiving space for receiving a second part of the body of the human or the animal, the second part of the body being located on a second side of the joint, form an intermediate part linking the first loop and the second loop by using two sub-parts crossing each other, such that, when the joint is received in the device, the two sub-parts cross each other over the joint, the device further comprising second complementary fasteners configured to provide adjustment and closing of the second loop on the second part of the body of the human or the animal.

2. The device of claim 1 , comprising: a first band made of a polymer material, the first band being configured to form the first loop defining the receiving space for receiving the first part of the body of the human or the animal, the first part of the body being located on the first side of the joint; first complementary fasteners located on the first band and configured to provide adjustment and closing of the first loop on the first part of the body of the human or the animal; and a second band made of a polymer material, the second band being configured to form the second loop defining the receiving space for receiving the second part of the body of the human or the animal, the second part of the body being located on a second side of the joint, wherein the intermediate part comprises: a third band made of a polymer material forming the first sub-part, the third band linking the first band and the second band; a fourth band made of a polymer material forming the second sub-part, the fourth band linking the first band and the second band; wherein the third band and the fourth band are configured to link the first band and the second band by crossing each other, such that, when the joint is received in the device, the third band and the fourth band cross each other over the joint.

3. The device of the preceding claim, wherein the first complementary fasteners and / or the second complementary fasteners comprise a plurality of complementary systems located at a plurality of positions on the band, configured to provide the adjustment of the first loop to the first body part of the human or the animal and / or of the second loop to the second body part of the human or the animal.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of complementary systems comprise at least one of: at least one headed pin forming a button, cooperating with one or more holes, and / or one or more hooks cooperating with one or more slots or rings, and / or a system of two strips, one covered with loops and the other with flexible hooks, such as a two strips known under the trade mark Velcro.

5. The device of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the third band and the fourth band are fixedly attached to the first band and the second band, and define a couple of fixed points on each of the first band and the second band, and wherein the first complementary fasteners and the second complementary fasteners are configured to define a distance between the fixed points on the first band and between the fixed points on the second band.

6. The device of any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the third band and the fourth band are configured to replicate ligament tension in the joint.

7. The device of any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the device is configured to apply tension on the joint as a function of a distance between the first band and the second band.

8. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises apertures configured to enable control of at least one of: intensity of mechanical joint reinforcement, tension and / or deformation within the device and / or level of aeration of the joint, when the joint of the human or the animal is located in the device.

9. The device of the preceding claim, wherein the apertures have shapes comprising at least one of: round shaped, square shaped, rectangle shaped, and / or lozenge shaped.

10. The device of any of claims 2 to 9, configured to receive a joint being at least one of a knee, an ankle, a shoulder, or an elbow.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein, when the joint is a knee, the device is configured to receive the kneecap between: one of the first band and the second band, and an intersection point where the third band and the fourth band cross each other.

12. The device of claim 1 , configured to receive a joint being a finger or a wrist, the device comprising: a first band made of a polymer material, the first band being configured to form the first loop defining the receiving space for receiving a first part of a finger or a palm of the human or the animal, wherein the first band further comprises at least one slot located in the intermediate part of the device, the first band being configured to pass through the slot and crossing itself to form the first loop and the two sub-parts of the intermediate part, such that, when the finger or the palm is received in the device, the first band crosses itself over the finger or the wrist, a second band made of a polymer material, the second band being configured to form the second loop defining a receiving space for receiving a forearm of the human or the animal.

13. The device of the preceding claim, wherein the second complementary fasteners comprise a plurality of complementary systems located at a plurality of positions on the band, configured to provide the adjustment of the second loop to the wrist of the human or the animal, and / or wherein the first band comprise a plurality of systems complementary to the second complementary fasteners, located at a plurality of positions on the first band, configured to provide the adjustment of the first loop to the first part of the finger or the palm of the human or the animal.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of complementary systems comprise at least one of: at least one headed pin forming a button, cooperating with one or more holes,and / or a buckle cooperating with one or more ridges; and / or one or more hooks cooperating with one or more slots or rings, and / or a system of two strips, one covered with loops and the other with flexible hooks, such as two strips known under the trade mark Velcro.

15. The device of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first band is configured to replicate ligament tension in the finger or wrist.

16. The device of any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the device is configured to apply tension on the finger or wrist as a function of a size of the second loop.

17. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer material comprises at least one of: silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer and / or elastomer.

18. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the material of the band has a thickness T of polymer material, the thickness T being such that 0.4mm<T<25mm.

19. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the device has a length L, the length L being such that 5cm<L<150cm; and / or wherein the band has a width W, the width W being such that 0.5cm<W<50cm.

20. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the Shore hardness of the polymer material is comprised between 1 and 100, preferably between 20 and 80.21 . The device of any of the preceding claims, further configured to receive one or more rigid or semi-rigid rods configured to be inserted in the device to enhance support of the joint.

22. The device of any of claims 12 to 21 , wherein the device comprises apertures configured to enable control of at least one of: intensity of mechanical joint reinforcement, tension and / or deformation within the device and / or level of aeration of the joint, when the joint of the human or the animal is located in the device.

23. The device of the preceding claim, wherein the apertures have shapes comprising atleast one of: round shaped, square shaped, rectangle shaped, and / or lozenge shaped.

24. A method for manufacturing a device, comprising: forming a first band configured to form a first loop defining a receiving space for receiving a first part of the body of the human or the animal, the first part of the body being located on a first side of the joint; forming a second band configured to form second defining a receiving space for receiving a second part of the body of the human or the animal, the second part of the body being located on a second side of the joint; forming an intermediate part linking the first loop and the second loop by using two sub-parts crossing each other, such that, when the joint is received in the device, the two sub-parts cross each other over the joint, forming second complementary fasteners configured to provide adjustment and closing of the second loop on the second part of the body of the human or the animal.

25. The method of claim 24, comprising: a step of manufacturing the device of any of claims 2 to 23.

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